New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore said he's always urging the younger players on the team to give back to their community. His love for community service has quietly been one of his passions since he arrived in the team in 2005.

New Orleans Saints WR Lance Moore visits the children at Madisonville Junior High School for a pep rally to celebrate that the school won the NFL milk competition last February.Ellis Lucia / The Times-Picayune

His passion hasn't gone unnoticed. Moore was named as the Saints' "Man of the Year" recipient. The award, which is based on dedication to community service, charitable efforts and on-field performance, is voted on by members of the media, Saints front office staff and local non-profit and business executives.

"It feels great," Moore said. "Normally we're awarded for athletics. To get awarded for something as important as my commitment to community service, that's pretty cool."

Moore is also the Saints nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The winner, which is selected from the 32 NFL teams, receives a $25,000 donation in his name to a charity of his choice. The other 31 finalists also receive donations in their name of $1,000 to charities of their choice.

"It would be a tremendous honor," Moore said of winning the award. "It would be something to tell people about forever. It's bigger than just playing football."

Drew Brees is the Saints only winner to date. He was co-recipient of the award in 2006, along with then-San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Moore's influence has trickled down to some of the newer players on the
team, including wide receiver Joe Morgan, who hosted a Christmas toy
drive for more than 500 kids.

"I often tell the younger guys the
passion our fans show for us is the same passion we should show for our
community," Moore said. "That's kind of been my whole reason for trying
to be as active."

Moore has been involved with several charities, but has been working with his foundation, the Lance Moore Community Cares program, which serves disadvantaged children and families.

"I'm passionate about working with kids," he said. "Last year we partnered with a bunch of different people in the community, trying to stop violence in the city. We'll get back to working on things like that (in the offseason)."

Most recently, Moore spent New Years surprising 200 local YMCA children at Newman school as part of a clinic put on by members of the 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and former Saint Jon Stinchcomb.

"To hang out with the kids and put a smile on their face was a great way to ring in the year," Moore said. "Something just as simple as seeing people smile can make your day."

Moore is coming off one of his best seasons as a Saint. He had 65 receptions for 1,041 yards and six touchdowns. He has 309 receptions for 3,824 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career.